Carlton is delighted to have secured Brianna Davey as one of its marquee players for its inaugural women’s team in 2017.

The 21-year-old began her professional sporting career playing soccer, even making the Matildas national squad as goalkeeper.

After winning the 2016 W-League championship with Melbourne City, Davey decided to switch codes, making her one of only a handful of female footballers that have played another sport at the highest level.

The versatile defender, who also plays in the midfield, currently plays with the St Kilda Sharks, and has represented the Bulldogs for the past two years.

Davey is known for her sure hands and her ability to break away from packs. She can play in a key position role or as a bullocking mid.

Wherever she plays, one thing is for sure: she can blow a game wide open.

There’s no doubt she’s going to be an asset for the Old Dark Navy Blues.

Carlton Football Club is delighted to announce it has secured the signature of Lauren Arnell, who will play for the Blues in the inaugural women’s competition in 2017.

The Club was granted permission from the AFL to pre-sign Arnell as a priority selection due to her existing relationship with Carlton.

Hailing from Clarkefield in Victoria, Arnell, an inside midfielder, played basketball until she was 17 years old, before taking up football in 2005.

Earlier this year the eight-time Darebin premiership player became the Blues’ first Visy Female Football Ambassador, and played a pivotal role in shaping Carlton’s successful bid for one of the eight licences.

Lifelong Bluebagger Kate Shierlaw will boost Carlton’s forward line and ruck stocks when she pulls on the navy blue jumper as a rookie in 2017.

Standing at 186cm tall, Shierlaw will be the tallest player on Carlton’s list, providing her teammates with a target no matter where she plays on the ground.

The Adelaide-born forward hails from an athletics background (basketball and javelin) and began playing football for the Wimbledon Hawks in the AFL London Women’s League. She won the Hawks' best and fairest this season, highlighting her ability to adapt to the sport.

Women’s senior coach Damien Keeping says although Shierlaw has only recently taken up the game, her desire and work ethic to improve her football skills is second to none.

Carlton has secured the services of Bianca ‘BJ’ Jakobsson, selecting the forward with its first selection in the AFL Women's draft.

Hailed as one of the elite players in this year’s talent pool she will further strengthen the Blues’ forward line.

The 23-year-old has “incredible” athletic attributes according to senior women’s coach Damien Keeping, matching her ability to take strong contested marks.

“Bianca has supreme decision-making skills when she has the ball,” Keeping said.

“Not only will she aid our forward line, but she has the versatility to play a role through the midfield and down back when required.”

After recovering from a severe knee injury, Jakobsson was named the Western Bulldogs most influential player in the team’s win over Western Australia earlier this year – a true testament of her character.

DOB: 30/03/1993Height: 174cmPosition: ForwardClub: Cranbourne

The power athlete has played five seasons of senior women’s football, after falling in love with Aussie Rules as a child.

She made her debut for Melbourne’s women’s team earlier this year and prides herself on her ability to cover the ground, as well as provide an option up forward.

Senior women’s coach Damien Keeping says Gillespie-Jones has a solid pair of hands and has the capability to make her own space.

“Kate’s strength in the marking contest, coupled with her ability to burst through congested packs makes her a difficult match-up for any opposition,” Keeping said.